RAPID CITY – South Dakota National Guard officials announced today that the 740^th Transportation Company and the 842^nd Engineer Company will be extended for an additional 90 to 120 days beyond their scheduled one year, “boots on the ground” tour of duty in the Middle East.  

The 740^th’s 1-year date was April 18 and the 842^nd had a one year date of June 3.

Maj. Gen. Michael A. Gorman, the Adjutant General, said in a press conference today that the news of the delay is regrettable.

“Naturally we are all disappointed.  The families are terribly disappointed,” he said.  “The 740^th and the 842^nd are both units that are the best in the Army at what they do.”  We know the situation in Iraq has changed.  We are all concerned for the safety of our soldiers in Iraq.  That is why the Commanders in Iraq have determined we need more soldiers to do the job.

The South Dakota units are among 23 reserve component units from 15 states that were identified as being delayed from their release from active duty.  They are among the more than 20,000 soldiers from the Active Army, National Guard and Army Reserve, the leadership in Iraq asked to remain in country.  Approximately 25% of the 20,000 soldiers are from the National Guard and Army Reserve.

“I would ask all South Dakota citizens, their families and employers to be strong for them,” Gorman added.  “The soldiers over there serve in very dangerous situations and need to keep their head in the game.  We, back home, need to be strong for them so they can do their job.”

South Dakota’s three transportation companies, the 740^th, 1742^nd, and 727^th have played an important role in moving supplies and equipment throughout the region.  The South Dakota units already completed 1,100 missions totaling 5.4 million miles.  

The 740^th, alone, has completed nearly 300 missions, accumulating over 2,087,600 miles. The 740th was mobilized on Feb 11, 2003, trained at Fort Carson, Colo. and deployed to the Middle East on April 19, 2004. 

The 842^nd Engineer Company has been stationed at Baghdad International Airport and tasked with construction missions.  The 842^nd was mobilized on Mar 15, 2003, trained at Fort Carson, Colo. and deployed to the Middle East on June 3, 2003.

The South Dakota National Guard has six units and 1,200 soldiers in Iraq/Kuwait including the 740^th; 1742^nd Transportation Company; 842^nd Engineer Company of ;  2^nd Battalion, 147^th Field Artillery; 153^rd Engineer Battalion, and the 216^th Engineer Detachment (Firefighting Team).  

FOR MORE INFORMATION - Contact the SDNG PAO - Maj. Harold Walker at 737-6721 or the Public Affairs Office at 737-6234 or 737-6268.